Albuquerque Thunderbirds Acquire Kurt Looby
December 30, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, Dec. 30, 2009 - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds have acquired Kurt Looby from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in exchange for the rights to Will Conroy, who was reacquired by the team yesterday.
"Looby gives us a much needed presence inside," said head coach John Coffino. "He is a tremendous shot blocker and a fierce rebounder. He's excited to join the team and knows he'll have a chance to come in and contribute right away.
Looby spent the 2009 NBA Training Camp with the Denver Nuggets, and played for the NBA D-League Select Team during the 2009 NBA Summer League Presented by EA Sports in Las Vegas, averaging 4.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in five contests.
During the 2008-09 season, he appeared in all 50 games for Rio Grande Valley and averaged 6.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. His best game came on April 5, 2009 when he recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 22 rebounds, and 11 blocked shots. For the season, he led the NBA D-League in total blocks (127) and blocks per game (2.54).
Looby narrowly missed his second career triple double with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 9 blocks in his most recent game with Rio Grande Valley on Dec. 26. He played collegiately at the University of Iowa, averaging 3.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in two seasons.
In a related roster move, the Thunderbirds have waived Erek Hansen. Hansen appeared in six games, averaging 1.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest.
Looby will make his Thunderbirds debut on Dec. 31 when the team takes on the Utah Flash in Orem, Utah. The game will begin at 7:00 pm MT, and fans can either listen in on 96.3 KBZU or watch the game live on NBA Futurecast.
The Thunderbirds will return to Tingley Coliseum on Jan. 9 when they take on the Reno Bighorns, and you can bring your group out to the game for as low as $4 per ticket. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information.
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